Lindsey Millbrooks

DeSoto Central Elementary School
Southhaven, Mississippi
lindsey.millbrooks@dcsms.org

Best Practices

1) School Improvement: Being the AP at DeSoto Central Elementary School (DCES) for eight years now, I have seen firsthand how the time we spend tirelessly digging through data, building relationships with students and parents, training teachings, creating schedules, and having a growth mindset has really impacted student improvement at our school. We create intentional, specific, and consistent plans for all students. We thrive on ensuring that all students have access to their education. We make informed decisions. “Knowing and growing students” is our mission, and I feel that putting relationships and student needs first has a direct impact on student improvement. From the moment students get on a bus or walk into DCES, they know they are loved, visible, and heard! Building a community ensures student improvement.

2) Whole Child Initiatives: Our student improvement strategies directly impact and enhance the whole child approach at DCES. I know that it is valuable and important to look at not only the child’s academic needs but also their social, emotional, physical, and behavioral needs. We strive to ensure that our school is safe. Safety is a priority and always put first. I lead our School Safety and School Wellness teams. We discuss how to promote a positive and safe atmosphere. On our School Wellness Team, we discuss the emotional needs of students and find resources to have accessible for parents for their child’s mental health needs. Once we establish safety, we then are able to provide an engaging and motivating learning atmosphere. Our PBIS plan included “5 Essential.” These challenge students to make choice that promote lifelong qualities of a lifelong learner and to have positive impacts on their futures. Our MTSS team assesses and monitors their academic needs. The whole child initiative ensures that we are meeting all the needs of all students.